Grow Hosta × 'Big Daddy' (Plantain Lily 'Big Daddy') for a dramatic, textured mound of thick, cupped blue foliage and midsummer blooms in white to pale lavender. At maturity it forms a substantial clump and sends up flower scapes above the leaves, adding height and seasonal interest in the shade garden.
Plant it in part shade to full shade, ideally where it receives gentle morning sun or dappled light and protection from hot afternoon sun. Keep soil evenly moist, especially during summer heat, and mulch to help conserve moisture and moderate soil temperatures. Water at the soil line when you can to keep the foliage cleaner and reduce disease pressure.
For best results, use organically rich, well-drained soil. Provide regular moisture without leaving the crown waterlogged, and avoid letting the planting area dry out completely. In dry spells, deep watering supports better leaf quality and helps the plant keep its attractive blue tone longer through the season.
Maintenance is simple. Divide established clumps in spring as growth begins or in early fall if you want to control size or share plants. Watch for slugs and snails, which can chew holes in the leaves, and be aware that deer and rabbits may browse the foliage. Use in shade borders, woodland gardens, or mass plantings where its large leaves can anchor a bed.